Dirty Dog Trail Run will mark its 10th Anniversary

Runners and their dogs participate in a previous SOS Animal Rescue's Dirty Dog Trail Run at Midland City Forest. (Photo provided)

Runners and their dogs participate in a previous SOS Animal Rescue's Dirty Dog Trail Run at Midland City Forest. (Photo provided)

Dirty Dog Trail Run will mark its 10th Anniversary

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One of the more unique running races, the SOS Animal Rescue's Dirty Dog Trail Run at Midland City Forest, will mark its 10th anniversary with this year's event. More than 200 competitors, some with their dogs, others without, are expected to participate in a slate of races that begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 25.

As the animal rescue's biggest fundraiser, the Dirty Dog Trail Run has established itself as one of Midland's signature races. The longtime support of major sponsors such as Northern Animal Clinic, Park Place Homes and Superior Title & Abstract is key to the event's continuing growth and success.

"Sponsors come and go but we're fortunate to have these three businesses with us since the beginning," said Joann Taylor, president of SOS Animal Rescue. "It's kind of amazing, really. It's hard to believe we're at our 10th event. Every year we wonder if these companies are going to re-up and they do without hesitation."

Taylor said a race with dogs at a scenic, wooded setting like City Forest helps drive its popularity. Three years ago the event had 126 participants. This year as many as 220 runners of varying skill levels will compete in a challenging off-road run.

"We're a unique event," she said. "You don't see many races that allow dogs, and most races are on pavement. We're a trail run and people love animals. The opportunity to run with their dogs appeals to a lot of racers. We have a lot of things going for us."

Race proceeds benefit SOS's efforts to help animals in need through its foster, pet food assistance and spay/neuter programs. In 2017, community support allowed the agency to purchase pet food for 452 animals living with 176 families. SOS also placed 189 pets in new homes and helped 397 cats and dogs from low-income families with spay/neutering.

Registration on race day beings at 8 a.m. The race schedule is as follows:

• 9 a.m. -- 5 &10K run without dogs

• 9:05 a.m. -- 5&10K run with dogs

• 9:10 a.m. -- 5K walk without dogs

• 9:15 a.m. -- 5K walk with dogs

• 9:16 a.m. -- 1 mile untimed walk

City Forest, located at 2840 East Monroe Road, a quarter mile west of Eastman Avenue, is a 520-acre preserve of woods, creeks, marshes and bridges.